Let’s talk about the Women-Only Scholarship for Nigerian Female Students. Being a female student in Nigeria comes with a particular set of challenges that most scholarship committees are increasingly recognising, and responding to.
The gender gap in Nigerian higher education is real. Cultural pressures, early marriage expectations, financial prioritisation of male children, safety concerns on campuses, and the lack of female role models in certain fields all work against Nigerian women pursuing and completing their education.
The response from many scholarship bodies (Nigerian and international) has been to create dedicated scholarship programs that specifically target female students. Programs designed to remove financial barriers, build confidence, and send a clear message: your education matters, and we will fund it.
In this guide, we have compiled the most important women-only and women-priority scholarships available to Nigerian female students (undergraduate, postgraduate, and research) with everything you need to know to apply.
Whether you are a 100 level student at a Nigerian university, a working professional wanting to study abroad, or a researcher building your career, there is a scholarship on this list for you.
READ ALSO: How to Apply for Scholarship as a 100 Level Student in Nigeria (Full Guide)
Why Women-Specific Scholarships Exist
Before we get into the list, let us briefly address the “why”, because understanding it helps you write more compelling applications.
Women-specific scholarships exist because data consistently shows that:
- Women globally are less likely to reach postgraduate education than men, with the gap widest in developing countries
- In Nigeria, girls are more likely to drop out of secondary and tertiary education due to financial constraints, when family resources are limited, boys’ education is prioritised in many Nigerian households
- Female students in STEM fields face structural and cultural barriers that male students do not
- Women leaders and researchers are systematically underrepresented in Nigeria’s institutions, university departments, government agencies, research institutes, corporate boardrooms
Scholarship bodies respond to this data by creating programs that specifically remove barriers for women. When you apply for these programs, you are not receiving a “sympathy award”, you are accessing a targeted investment designed to address a documented systemic gap.
This context should give you confidence, not hesitation.
READ ALSO: Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada for Nigerian Students (2026 List)
Women-Only Scholarships in Nigeria (Local Programs)
1. AWDF (African Women’s Development Fund) Grants
- URL: awdf.org
- For: African women-led organisations and individual women researchers/activists
- Coverage: Project grants and individual support grants
- Target: Nigerian women working in gender equality, women’s rights, health, and development
The AWDF funds women and women’s organisations across Africa. While their core grants go to organisations, they also support individual women researchers and activists working on issues affecting African women.
If you are a postgraduate student or researcher working on gender, women’s health, education, or economic empowerment, explore AWDF’s grant programs.
2. FIDA Nigeria (Federation of International Women Lawyers) Scholarship
- URL: fidanigeria.org
- For: Nigerian female law students
- Coverage: Partial scholarship support for female law students at Nigerian universities
- Target: Female students studying Law
FIDA Nigeria periodically offers scholarship support and career development opportunities specifically for female Nigerian law students. Monitor their website and social media for current programs.
3. Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) Scholarship
- URL: wimbiz.org
- For: Nigerian women in business, management, and public service
- Coverage: Training programs, fellowships, and occasionally scholarship support
- Target: Working Nigerian women pursuing further education and career development
WIMBIZ is one of Nigeria’s most respected women in leadership platforms. Beyond their annual conference, they offer fellowship programs and training opportunities for women in business and public service. Follow their website for scholarship and training announcements.
4. Nigerian Women in Leadership Initiative Scholarships
Various Nigerian women’s leadership organisations, including branches of international bodies like Soroptimist International, Zonta International, and Business and Professional Women (BPW), run scholarship programs for Nigerian female students.
Soroptimist International of Nigeria: (check the Nigeria chapter websites for local programs)
Zonta International (Nigeria chapters): Look for the Amelia Earhart Fellowship (for women in aerospace) and Jane M. Klausman Women in Business scholarship
5. STEM MPOWER (Nigerian Government STEM Initiative)
The Nigerian government has run various STEM empowerment programs specifically targeting female students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Check the Nigerian Ministry of Education and NITDA websites for current programs, these open periodically.
READ ALSO: List of All Nigerian Scholarship Portals You Should Bookmark (2026 Updated)
International Women-Focused Scholarships for Nigerians
6. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship
- URL: facultyforthefuture.net
- For: Women from developing countries (including Nigeria) pursuing STEM PhDs or postdoctoral research at top international universities
- Coverage: Annual grant of up to $50,000 for PhD students and $40,000 for postdocs
- Target: Women scientists from developing countries doing advanced research abroad
This is one of the most generous and most prestigious fellowships specifically for women scientists from developing countries. Nigerian women pursuing PhDs or postdoctoral research in STEM at international universities are eligible.
The selection criteria are demanding:
- Must be a citizen of a developing country (Nigeria qualifies)
- Must be enrolled in or applying to a PhD program at a university outside your home country
- STEM fields: Physical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Must demonstrate commitment to returning to their home country to contribute to STEM education and research
Applications: Open annually, typically in September/October.
Visit facultyforthefuture.net for the current application cycle.
7. L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship
- URL: forwomeninscience.com
- For: Female scientists at the postdoctoral stage from Africa and the Arab States region
- Coverage: Up to $25,000 per fellowship
- Target: Female postdoctoral researchers in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, or Computer Science
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program is one of the world’s most recognised science fellowships for women. Their Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Fellowship is specifically for women scientists from Sub-Saharan African countries, Nigeria is eligible.
Nigerian women who have completed their PhD and are conducting postdoctoral research in life sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or computer science should take this fellowship seriously.
Applications: Usually open once per year. Check the website above for the current Sub-Saharan Africa program.
8. Google Women Techmakers Scholarship
- URL: buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/scholarships/women-techmakers-scholars
- For: Women studying Computer Science or related technical fields globally
- Coverage: Financial award + Google Techmakers community membership + mentoring
- Target: Female students in CS, Engineering, and related technical fields
Google’s Women Techmakers Scholars Program (formerly the Anita Borg Scholarship) supports women in technology globally. Nigerian female students in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related fields at Nigerian or international universities are eligible to apply.
The scholarship provides both financial support and access to Google’s Women Techmakers community, connecting you with female tech professionals globally.
9. AAUW International Fellowship
- URL: aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international/
- For: Non-US women scholars pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the USA
- Coverage: $18,000–$30,000 per year
- Target: Women from outside the USA pursuing Masters or PhD in the United States
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship funds women from developing countries (including Nigeria) to study at US universities. If you are planning to pursue a Masters or PhD in the United States, this fellowship is a significant funding opportunity.
Eligibility: Must be a non-US citizen, planning to study full-time in the US, and have a clear plan to return to your home country upon completion.
Applications: Open annually; check aauw.org for the current cycle.
10. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
- URL: peointernational.org/peo-projectsphilanthropies/international-peace-scholarship/
- For: Women from countries other than the US or Canada pursuing graduate study in the USA or Canada
- Coverage: Up to $12,500 per year
- Target: International women pursuing Masters or PhD in the US or Canada
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship specifically funds women who are not US or Canadian citizens to pursue graduate study in North America. Nigerian women applying for Masters or PhD programs at US or Canadian universities should explore this scholarship.
11. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Women Priority)
- URL: mastercardfdn.org
- For: Sub-Saharan African students at partner universities, with strong preference for female applicants and those from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Coverage: Full tuition + accommodation + living expenses
- Target: African women from low-income backgrounds with demonstrated leadership
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program explicitly prioritises female applicants and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. For Nigerian women from low-income families applying to Mastercard Foundation partner universities (including institutions in Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, the US, and Canada) this program is one of the most impactful scholarship opportunities available.
12. Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (Priority for Women)
- URL: cscuk.ac.uk
- For: Commonwealth citizens (Nigerians qualify) for postgraduate study in the UK
- Coverage: Full funding
- Target: All Commonwealth students, with priority weighting for women and underrepresented groups
While the Commonwealth Scholarship is not exclusively for women, the CSC explicitly gives additional weighting to female applicants in their selection process, particularly in fields where women are underrepresented. Nigerian women applying for Commonwealth Masters or PhD scholarships are in a stronger competitive position than the general applicant pool.
13. Chevening Scholarship (Encourages Female Applications)
- URL: chevening.org
- For: Future Nigerian leaders, Masters study in the UK
- Coverage: Full funding
- Target: All Nigerian applicants, with active encouragement and sometimes priority for female applicants
Chevening actively encourages female applicants and has published commitments to increasing the proportion of female scholars. While not a women-only scholarship, Nigerian women who meet Chevening’s leadership criteria are competing in a pool where their gender is a positive factor.
14. Humphrey Fellowship (USA) | Africa Women Priority
- URL: humphreyfellowship.org
- For: Mid-career African professionals, with specific focus on women in leadership
- Coverage: Full funding for a 10-month professional development program in the US
- Target: Nigerian women in mid-career professional roles in development, governance, public health, education, etc.
The Humphrey Fellowship is not a degree program, it is a 10-month professional development experience at a US university for mid-career professionals. It has a strong women leadership focus and African women in professional roles are particularly well-positioned.
READ ALSO: 5 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in USA for Nigerians
STEM Scholarships Specifically for Nigerian Women
The gender gap in STEM is particularly pronounced in Nigeria. Several scholarship programs specifically address this:
15. IEEE Women in Engineering Scholarships
- URL: ieee.org/membership/women/
- For: Female students in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Coverage: Varies by regional program
The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Women in Engineering program offers various scholarship opportunities for female engineering students globally. Check their website for programs open to Nigerian applicants.
16. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
- URL: swe.org/scholarships
- For: Female students in Engineering and Computer Science
- Coverage: Various amounts
- Target: Women studying engineering or engineering technology
SWE offers numerous scholarships for female engineering students at various levels. While most are targeted at US students, some international scholarships are available. Check the SWE scholarship database.
17. African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) | Fully Funded Masters with Women Priority
- URL: aims.edu
- For: African women with strong mathematics, physics, or engineering backgrounds
- Coverage: Full funding (tuition + accommodation + meals + stipend)
- Target: Female graduates from African universities who want to study Mathematical Sciences at the Masters level
AIMS has five centres across Africa, in South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Senegal, and Cameroon. Their Masters in Mathematical Sciences is fully funded and AIMS explicitly recruits female students, aiming for gender parity in their cohorts.
For Nigerian women with strong backgrounds in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or Computer Science who want a fully funded Masters in Africa, AIMS is an outstanding option that is often overlooked.
READ ALSO: The DAAD Sandwich PhD Scholarship: How to Research in Germany While Studying in Nigeria (Full Guide)
Leadership and Entrepreneurship Grants for Nigerian Women
18. Tony Elumelu Foundation | TEF Program (Women Encouraged)
- URL: tonyelumelufoundation.org
- For: African entrepreneurs aged 18–35
- Coverage: $5,000 seed funding + mentoring + training
- Target: Nigerian women with business ideas
TEF explicitly prioritises women entrepreneurs in their selection process. Nigerian female students with viable business ideas should explore the TEF Entrepreneurship Program.
19. African Women’s Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC)
- URL: awecafrica.org
- For: African women entrepreneurs
- Coverage: Varies by program
- Target: Nigerian women in business
How to Apply | Tips Specific to Women-Focused Scholarships
Applying for women-specific scholarships requires some additional considerations beyond the standard scholarship application advice:
Own Your Story as a Woman Many women’s scholarships want to understand the specific barriers you have faced as a female student or professional in Nigeria. Do not be shy about this.
If you have navigated discouragement from family to pursue education, dealt with safety concerns on campus, been the only woman in your department, or faced gender-based barriers in your career, these experiences are relevant and powerful. Describe them specifically and honestly.
Show Your Commitment to Other Women Women’s scholarship committees consistently favour applicants who do not just want to succeed individually, they want to succeed in ways that lift other women.
Have you mentored younger female students? Organised events for women in your field? Advocated for gender equity in your institution? Even small acts of supporting other women are worth mentioning.
Address the Return/Impact Plan Through a Gender Lens For international women’s scholarships (Schlumberger, L’Oréal-UNESCO, AAUW), your plan to return and create impact specifically for women or girls in Nigeria is a major plus. How will your research, your career, or your leadership specifically benefit Nigerian women or girls?
Research the Scholarship’s Specific Values Different women’s scholarships have different emphases. Schlumberger wants STEM researchers committed to education. L’Oréal-UNESCO wants scientists doing frontier research.
AAUW wants women studying subjects that advance human progress. Google Women Techmakers wants female technologists building things. Read each program’s mission carefully and align your application language accordingly.
READ ALSO: Get Your Scholarship Past Questions & Answers PDF
FAQs
Can men apply for women-only scholarships? No, women-only scholarships are exclusively for female applicants. However, “women-priority” scholarships (like Mastercard Foundation, Chevening) are open to all but give weighting to female applicants.
Do I need to be studying a STEM subject to qualify for women’s scholarships? No, while many women’s scholarships focus on STEM (to address the gender gap in those fields specifically), there are also women’s scholarships in Law (FIDA), Business (WIMBIZ, SWE), Social Sciences, and Arts. Read each scholarship’s specific field requirements.
Are there scholarships for Nigerian women who are already working? Yes, the Humphrey Fellowship, L’Oréal-UNESCO (postdoctoral), Schlumberger Faculty for the Future, and WIMBIZ programs target working professional women at various career stages.
Is being a woman enough to qualify for women’s scholarships? Being a woman is necessary but not sufficient. Women’s scholarships are just as competitive as general scholarships, they require strong academic records, leadership experience, and compelling applications. The pool is smaller but the bar is still high.
Can I apply for a women-only scholarship and a general scholarship at the same time? Yes, applying to multiple scholarships simultaneously is standard practice. Maximise your applications across all relevant programs.
READ ALSO: List of All Nigerian Scholarship Portals You Should Bookmark (2026 Updated)
In Summary
Nigerian women deserve access to the highest levels of education, and the scholarship programs in this guide exist specifically to make that access real.
Whether you are a 100 level student at a Nigerian university, a postgraduate student heading abroad, or a working professional ready to take the next step, there is a scholarship on this list designed for exactly where you are.
The barriers are real. The scholarships are also real. The question is whether you will put in the work to apply.
Your action plan:
- Identify the 3–5 scholarships from this list that match your current level and field
- Bookmark each scholarship’s official portal
- Set reminders for application windows (most open September–January)
- Start drafting your personal statement, with your specific story as a Nigerian woman at its centre
- Apply early and apply to multiple programs simultaneously
You are not applying for charity. You are claiming an investment in your future, and in the future of every Nigerian girl who will one day look up to you.
Which of these scholarships are you most interested in? Tell us your field and current level in the comments, we will give you more specific guidance.
Disclaimer: Scholarship programs, eligibility criteria, and funding amounts change annually. Always verify current information on each scholarship’s official website. Campus Hustle Nigeria is not affiliated with any scholarship body mentioned and does not charge for guidance.
